I have history with Orland Florida. home of the big Rat as Mickey is known to the locals. My father settled here a wife and a life ago for both of us. He resides with his current wife in a modest ranch style house Dottie and her first husband built. About twelve years ago, my father started displaying signs of one of the many diseases which affect his memory. For several years Bill, I call him by his name as he no longer recognizes me as his son, would relate stories from his days in Korea, both before the conflict and during the “police action”. He had no clue who he was talking to but his memory was very detailed. As with most combat veterans, the light hearted stories were always the ones remembered. I would make the 464 mile drive, grab a hotel for the evening, meet him for breakfast at “The Clubhouse”, spend a couple of hours with him and then drive back. As Meredith’s disease progressed, Bill’s mind would slip ever further away. I am not going into the dark side of this situation which concerns the verbal treatment Bill receives from his wife.
I am going to explain the topic named at the top. People can not wrap their minds around the routine of driving for seven hours, crash and burn for eight in a hotel, meet Bill for a couple of hours and drive seven hours home. I do not do “groups”. I do not do shrinks, counselors, advisors, guides, or what ever the name de jure is this month. With Meredith needing 24/7 at home and Bill needing the same but is not receiving the care he needs, my therapy is the drive. I turn off the phone, top off the tank and head south. I really have to watch the speed, my little SmartCar really loves to go fast. Seven hours of God and me having a conversation. Letting my mind wander to far the reaches of the known and unknown. To the areas of what if, why not, probably a bad/good idea, lets work on it God, just you and me. Mile maker 27, I-75 South, we are half way there! Watch the gas level, do not run out like I did about four years ago. It has been almost four months since my last trip. I do not think it will be pretty.
“WHEN MEMORY FADES” — “When memory fades and recognition falters, When eyes we love grow dim, And minds confused, Speak to our souls of love that never alters; Speak to our hearts by pain and fear abused. O God of life and healing peace, Empower us with patient courage, by your grace infused. — As the frailness grows, and youthful strengths diminish, In weary arms, which worked their earnest fill. Your aging servants labor now to finish…. Their earthly tasks as fits your mystery’s will. We grieve their waning, yet rejoice, believing, Your arms, unwearied, shall uphold us still. — Within your spirit, goodness lives unfading. The past and future mingle into one. All joys remain, un-shadowed light pervading. No valued deed will ever be undone. Your mind enfolds all finite acts and offerings. Held in your heart, our deathless life is won https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDviBlRTQQQ